The 44th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) continued to captivate participants on July 25, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Awka.
The conference which commenced on July 22 has been centered on the theme "Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice". Throughout the event, attendees have engaged in vital discussions aimed at enhancing pharmacy practice and improving health service delivery across Nigeria.
As part of the programme at the conference was a series of Master Classes which draws the attention of notable stakeholders and experts in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
The first Master Class titled, "Prioritizing Self-Care: An Essential Tool for Community Pharmacists," was led by Pharm. (Dr.) Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, convener of the D'Bio Wellness and Self-care Summit. In her presentation, Dr. Eimunjeze emphasized the necessity of self-care as a foundational aspect of effective pharmacy practice.
"As pharmacists, we are often overwhelmed by the demands of our roles. Prioritizing our own well-being is essential, not only for our health but also for the quality of care we provide to our patients," she asserted. Dr. Eimunjeze encouraged participants to incorporate self-care practices into their daily routines to enhance both personal health and professional performance.
The second Master Class focused on "Improving Access to Health Care Services and Products Through E-Pharmacies: Considerations and Future Steps," featuring Chief Speaker Pharm. Okafor Uchenna, along with Pharm. Emmanuel Ogundiminiyi, Retail Manager at HealthPlus Pharmacy; Pharm. Ifeanyi Ogbolu, Assistant Head of Retail Business at Alpha Pharmacy; and Pharm. Adeoye Oyerinde Isaac, Business Development Manager at Medplus Pharmacy. These experts, with extensive experience in e-pharmacy, discussed the digital transformation of healthcare access.
Pharm. Okafor Uchenna discussed her project, ePharma4FP, which aims to enhance the visibility and viability of e-pharmacies while focusing on family planning as a key entry point. She remarked, "Nigeria has embarked on a major digitization journey across its healthcare sector, and e-pharmacies must play a pivotal role in this evolution. Our initiative explores how pharmacists can optimize their services beyond just dispensing medications, positioning them as primary healthcare providers."
The panel explored regulatory frameworks established to guide e-pharmacy operations, highlighting ongoing collaborations with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to finalize necessary policies. Okafor reinforced the importance of integrating e-pharmacy with telemedicine platforms, proposing that this collaboration could lower out-of-pocket expenses and streamline the patient healthcare journey.
Pharm. Emmanuel Ogundiminiyi shared insights from his experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, explaining how HealthPlus Pharmacy adapted by enhancing logistics and engaging with patients via telephone consultations. "During the pandemic, we recognized the urgent need to provide our clients with access to medications. This inspired us to listen and innovate continuously to meet their needs," he noted.
Pharm. Ifeanyi Ogbolu added that the healthcare segment remains underutilized, making it ripe for growth. "The youth demographics in Nigeria are increasingly turning to e-commerce for healthcare solutions. Our visibility on these platforms is crucial for attracting new clients," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of trust and product authenticity in e-pharmacy.
Completing the discussion, Pharm. Adeoye Oyerinde Isaac detailed how Medplus Pharmacy has embraced digital transformation to better serve its community in the post-COVID era, revamping its website and enhancing its online presence as part of its growth strategy.
The Master Classes were followed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ACPN National Cooperative, where members discussed achievements, challenges, and future plans. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration and proactive planning as the cooperative seeks to enhance the profession and maximize support for community pharmacists across Nigeria.
With an insightful blend of self-care advocacy and discussions on the digital future of pharmacy practice, this year's conference set a hopeful vision for the community pharmacy sector in Nigeria. Attendees left equipped with valuable knowledge and inspiration to embrace both personal wellness and technological advancements in their practices.
